Community Presentation

A "community presentation" is a live, in-person explanation of your perspective to a neighborhood group. Community presentations can take a variety of forms, including formal speeches, unstructured discussions, town hall meetings, debates, workshops, and seminars.

Important functions of community presentation

• To inform: Participants should be made aware of the presentation's time, location, and content.
• To spur people into action: Community change requires motivation. Therefore, the community's members must be inspired to take any action in the name of change.
• To engage neighborhood residents: Community participation is crucial since it aids in the organization and administration of the presentation.

Steps of community presentation

• Choose the optimal communication format.
• Verify the audience information
• Get the audience members you want to attend. the location of the presentation
• Visit the space well in advance. Examine the seating arrangements, the location of your own speaker, and any other aspects of the setting that may affect you (such as electrical outlets, lighting controls, ventilation). Don't be afraid to make any changes you think should be made, and then do your best to see that they are implemented.
• Make sure you have the necessary audiovisual equipment. Find out how it operates and confirm that it does. To lower the possibility of equipment failure, test it out a few days ahead of time and right before the presentation. (Have a spare bulb on hand if utilizing projectors.)
• Find out who can assist you with last-minute equipment changes or room accommodations. Prior to the commencement of the presentation, try to confirm that person's attendance. Don't allow this happen to you—it has happened that presentations have suffered because someone forgot the room's key.
• Make your goals clear.
• Create an outline.

Presentation outlines often have a similar sequence, which commonly includes:

• A general overview
  • A history or background of the issue
  • Your proposed solutions -- often together with requests for action
  • A description of the current situation or problem
  • A summary
• Select your materials
  • Either whiteboards or chalkboards: These can facilitate audience participation and interaction and are particularly helpful in small gatherings.
  • Flipcharts: These can be made in preparation (in a variety of colors) and used as tools for audience participation.
  • Transparencies used in overhead: These are helpful for projecting text, photos, and hand-drawn artwork. Use an overhead projector, of course. Be aware that you can scribble on transparency as you speak.
  • 35 mm slides: Slides can be created for both written information and visual content like graphics and images. Due to the ability to be projected on screens, these are effective for big audiences.
  • Handouts: The important information and points from your presentation, together with contact information, should be condensed into handouts. You can hand them out either in advance of your presentation so that attendees can review the technical details and follow along, or after it has concluded. (Avoid passing them out while giving your presentation; it will draw attention away from what you are saying.)
  • Live performances: If they are well-rehearsed and clearly seen to the entire audience, these can be powerful.
• Use your notes
• Questions and answers